Sunday, 14 February 2010 10:34

The Fu family, simple working class folk, are among the kindest people I have met in Nanjing.
Yesterday, they invited me to their home to enjoy a New Year's feast.
Last year, I had NY dinner with my boss and co-workers in some high-class place that was nothing worth remembering. Thus, I was really looking forward to dining with the Fu's.
Out of my house and looking for a taxi, I found a whole bunch of fireworks vendors on the street.
After some quick research, I learned that there are two meanings behind the tradition of lighting fireworks at Chinese New Year: to awaken the sleeping dragon, and to ward off evil spirits.
There was a huge line-up at this shop. Their biggest banger (with multiple light explosions) was selling for 220 RMB.

When I showed up at the Fu's, Mr. Fu immediately cracked open the baijiu.
Grinning, he told me: "Last year I was the only one drinking. This year, you are my special guest, so we will have a good time. After the baijiu we've got lots of beer."
While Mr. Fu and I made toasts, the kiddies occupied themselves with a Chinese vampire flick (and later the Vancouver Olympics) while the women bustled in and out with a wide variety of dishes.
As the dishes got brought out, Mr. Fu explained that he did most of the cooking.
Preparations started a week ago (salting the meats, making the sausages, etc), and they had made enough to feast royally for the next several days.
Starting from the top left and going clockwise: stewed pork; sliced sausages; shaved salted beef; '100-year-old' eggs; stewed chicken; greens, salted pork in jelly; stewed fish in the middle.

Finally all the dishes were brought out. The family gathered around the table. I asked to take a pic before we started eating, and they kindly obliged, with a New year's prayer of thanks for the feast.

The food was excellent. For the next three hours, we ate at a casual pace while going through a bottle of Baijiu, a half dozen beers, and a number of cigarette breaks. Eventually the kiddies went outside for some badminton action.
Finally it was time to leave. Mrs. Fu gave me a couple of flatbreads for the road, and then I was off. On the taxi ride home, what struck me the most during the meal was the wonderful hospitality my hosts showed.
It is a memory that I will treasure for a long time: spending time with a close-knit Chinese family for an extended meal of well-prepared delicacies on one of the most important days of the year.
It's experiences like these that have made China one of my favorite places in Asia.
Happy New year!




1. Wong Lo Kat Herbal Tea
2. Watsons Ginger Ale
3. Walnut Drink
4. Coconut Palm Juice
5. Almond Drink